324 SPECIMENS OF PLANTS COLLECTED AT KING GEORGE's SOUND. 



interrupted the ordinary sequence of events 1 If, as enunciated 

 by Baron Ettingshausen, the whole existing vegetation of the world 

 can in its development be traced to a universal flora of bygone 

 geologic ages, and if, as stated by Mr. Wilkinson, the process of 

 development through countless periods has been accompanied by 

 catastrophes such as can scarcely be imagined in these days, a 

 theory may doubtless be constructed as satisfactory to the Botanist 

 as to the Geologist. However that may be, the hand of infinite 

 wisdom may be traced in all the works of the Creator, as tending 

 to the gradual development of His purposes, the preservation of 

 species adapted to different soils and climates, and a providential 

 care for the wants of humanity. 



